IBM has launched a new computer development centre in Johannesburg that aims to drive ICT (information and communication technology) skills in sub-Saharan Africa.

The Africa Innovation Centre is part of IBM’s $120m two year investment plan in Africa. The centre includes the Technical Exploration Centre, the Software Solutions Lab and the Banking Centre of Excellence.

“It is encouraging that the company's plans integrate the entire Sub-Saharan Africa, which assures us that in the long term we will secure a thriving South Africa in a prosperous region,” said Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka at the launch.

The new centre offers access to IBM's global network of 39 IBM Innovation Centres in addition to 60 research and development labs.